Later 19th c. Joke Novelty Turd-Form Papier-mâché Snuff Box, Of American Or English Manufacture.

Well here’s one way to keep your snuff safe! This novelty Papier-mâché Snuff Box is in the form of a fresh coiled dog turd. I’d put its manufacture in the last quarter of the 19th c., and I think it’s American, though it might possibly be English.

I suppose it’s an early example of the novelty ‘joke shop’ faux-craps that proliferated later, but unlike those examples it actually has a purpose other than shocking and disgusting the pranked. Flip it over and it has the scalloped-style lid common to many late 19th c. Papier-mâché snuffs, and a good sized container underneath for snuff. It’s hard to imagine anything but that it was bought on a lark c. 1880 for the purpose of entertaining some friends at the bar. That said, it’s certainly a uncommon example in my long experience of collecting and selling snuffs! And perhaps for your snuff box collection.

This LOVELY example stands about 2 1/2” high and about 3” across at its broadest. It’s in great shape with no condition issues to report, it’s still convincing with its glossy surface. Just please don’t tell me “it’s a piece of crap!” when it arrives!

😉

Shipped via First Class Mail domestically in the US, via First Class Air Mail to an international buyer.

I am a professional antiques dealer and stand behind my goods with an absolute guarantee should they not prove what I’ve described; if you’re not pleased for any reason a return will be accepted for up to two weeks after receipt of your item. I will also pay return shipping, if the former is demonstrably true.

Stay tuned: I will be offering many more choice smalls including miniature portraits, silhouettes, snuff boxes, early Staffordshire, silver, tea caddies, Chinese export silver, inkwells, and some true rarities in early folk and decorative art. Favorite me in your sellers list to discover much more!